Go Whole Hog

Downtown Denver will be smokin’ today and tomorrow when the Big Denver Barbecue Block Party comes to town for its first event outside of New York.

“I’m really excited that we’re hosting a festival in a place where we actually have restaurants,” says Dave Robinson, executive chef for the Jim ’N Nick’s barbecue chain, which boasts locations in Aurora and Northfield. “The New York event is always the biggest thing in town, and putting it in a city that loves to party like Denver does is just great.”

A four-year veteran of the NYC party, Robinson will bring St. Louis-style ribs and spicy sausage, among other delights, while Telluride Ski Resort’s Jake Linzinmeier will serve elote-style Olathe corn and a “cross-prepared” brisket that promises to bridge the gap between Texan and Arkansan styles of cooking.

Entrance to the party, live music and cooking seminars is free, with plates of barbecue, Breckenridge Brewery beer and dessert priced à la carte. Or purchase a FastPass for $100 worth of food and drinks — and line-jumping privileges. 'Cue will be served from 12 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe streets. For more information, go to www.bigbbqblockparty.org/denver.
Aug. 4-5, 2012